Walk-behind lawn mower

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/651,072, filed Jan. 9, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,169, which is a divisional of Ser. No. 10/712,261, filed Nov. 14, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in this application.

This application relates to a walk-behind lawn mower. For example, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a walk-behind lawn mower including at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like, so that the sulky may be folded up into a storage position without being removed from the mower; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for corresponding pumps are each located on respective inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a unique handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in a more efficient manner with improved operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) wherein actuation of the lever causes both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and pumps of the mower to be locked in a neutral position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Walk-behind mowers are known in the art. For example, and without limitation, walk-behind mowers are disclosed in each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,920,733, 5,483,787, and 5,004,251, the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference. A walk-behind mower is typically operated by an operator who either walks behind the mower during mower operation or rides on a sulky that is pulled behind the mower during mower operation. Example sulkies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,004,251 and 5,882,020 (each to Velke), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Sulkies, to be pulled behind mowers during normal mower operation, may be of the one-wheel type or the two-wheel type.

While walk-behind mowers are known and used in the art, there is room for improvement with regard to the same.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

Certain embodiments of this invention relate to a walk-behind power lawn mower that may be operated either by an operator walking behind the mower or an operator supported by a sulky trailing behind the mower. Certain embodiments relate to a walk-behind lawn mower including one or more of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for corresponding pumps are each located on respective inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in a more efficient manner with improved operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) wherein actuation of the lever causes both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and pumps of the mower to be locked in a neutral position during application of such braking force.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a walk-behind lawn mower comprising: an engine for driving at least one cutting blade; and a latch assembly for receiving part of a sulky attached to the mower, wherein the latch assembly includes a pivotal spring-biased latch having a recess defined therein, wherein the recess of the latch is adapted to receive a protruding member of a sulky when a sulky is folded up from a deployed position to a stowed position so that the latch assembly of the mower can hold the folded up sulky in the stowed position.

In other example embodiments of this invention there is provided a walk-behind mower comprising: first and second rear drive wheels selectively drivable in opposite directions so as to allow zero radius turns to be performed when the first and second rear drive wheels are driven in opposite directions at approximately the same speed at the same time; first and second hydraulic pumps for controlling the first and second drive wheels, respectively; first and second elongated control rods operatively coupled between a handle control assembly and the first and second pumps, respectively; wherein first and second actuator shafts of the first and second pumps, respectively, both located on inboard sides of the first and second pumps so that the first and second shafts face one another.

In other example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a power lawn mower comprising: first and second drive wheels selectively drivable in opposite directions via first and second respective hydraulic pumps, wherein the hydraulic pumps control the driving speed and direction of the first and second drive wheels; a handle control assembly for allowing an operator to cause each of the first and second drive wheels to be independently controlled for operation in both forward and reverse directions, wherein the handle control assembly includes: a right hand forward control lever for controlling the first pump and the first drive wheel, a right hand reverse control lever for controlling the first pump and the first drive wheel, a left hand forward control lever for controlling the second pump and the second drive wheel, and a left hand reverse control lever for controlling the second pump and the second drive wheel; wherein the right hand forward control lever pivots about a first axis and the left hand forward control lever pivots about a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are not parallel to one another; a rigid handle member located between at least the right hand forward control lever and the right hand reverse control lever as viewed from above; wherein the right hand reverse control lever is of a length substantially less than a length of the right hand forward control lever so as to provide a gap on a forward side of the rigid handle member as viewed from above that allows an operator to rotate his or her hand around the rigid handle member without interference from the right hand reverse control lever. Left hand control levers may, of course, be interchanged with right hand control levers, in this embodiment; since this embodiment is applicable to the right hand levers, the left hand levers, or both in different embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view illustrating an example walk-behind mower pulling a sulky therebehind during normal mower operation according to an example embodiment of this invention, so that the sulky is in a deployed position for supporting a mower operator.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a side plan view of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, where the sulky is in a stowed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a close-up side plan view of the sulky latch assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>, where the sulky is in the stowed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a close-up side plan view of the sulky latch assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, where the sulky is moving in direction D toward the latch assembly and thus toward the stowed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5(</figref><i>a</i>) is a rear plan view of the rigid portion (or weldment) of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, according to an example embodiment of this invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5(</figref><i>b</i>) is a side plan view of the rigid portion (or weldment) of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> as viewed from the left side of the mower, according to an example embodiment of this invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5(</figref><i>c</i>) is a top plan view of the rigid portion (or weldment) of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, according to an example embodiment of this invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5(</figref><i>d</i>) is an isometric view of the rigid portion (or weldment) of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, according to an example embodiment of this invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6(</figref><i>a</i>) is a rear plan view of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>, in a neutral position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6(</figref><i>b</i>) is a side plan view of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>, as viewed from the left side of the mower, in a neutral position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6(</figref><i>c</i>) is a top plan view of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>, in a neutral position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6(</figref><i>d</i>) is an isometric view of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>, in a neutral position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>a</i>) is a top plan schematic view illustrating the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>b</i>) is a top plan view of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> during a left-hand turn.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>c</i>) is a top plan view of the handle control assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> during a right-hand turn.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a side plan view of the steering control rod assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>, as viewed from the right side of the mower.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a rear view of the steering control rod assembly of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>, as viewed from the rear of the mower.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a close-up perspective view of the bottom portion of the steering control rod assembly, and the pump lock-out system, of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a close-up view of a portion of the pump lock-out system of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-10</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a close-up view of a portion of the pump lock-out system of the mower of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an exploded view of certain components of the pump lock-out system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-12</figref> according to an example embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views.

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a walk-behind power lawn mower that may be operated either by an operator walking behind the mower or an operator supported by a sulky trailing behind the mower. For example, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a walk-behind lawn mower including one or more of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like, so that the sulky may be folded up into a storage position without being removed from the mower; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for corresponding pumps are each located on respective inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a unique handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in a more efficient manner with improved operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) wherein actuation of the lever causes both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and pumps of the mower to be locked in a neutral position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a walk-behind self-propelled power mower according to an example embodiment of this invention, wherein a sulky <b>1</b> is being pulled behind the mower in a deployed position. The mower shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> includes a cutter deck <b>3</b> for housing at least one cutting blade (now shown), an engine deck <b>5</b> for supporting a combustion engine <b>7</b> that powers the cutting bladed(s), first and second rear drive wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b>, front pivotal castors <b>13</b>, deck cover <b>15</b> for covering pulley systems <b>17</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) and belt(s) which couple mechanical energy from the engine <b>7</b> to drive the blade(s), gas tank <b>19</b>, gas tank support structure <b>21</b>, battery <b>23</b> on battery support <b>25</b>, support bar <b>27</b> extending between first and second vertical members <b>29</b> of the tractor frame, parking brake lever <b>31</b> which when pulled causes braking force to be applied to at least rear drive wheel <b>9</b> via brake shoe <b>33</b>, handle control assembly <b>35</b> including rigid member <b>37</b> having both a right-hand rigid member <b>39</b> and a left-hand rigid member <b>41</b> that are fixedly connected to one another via connector <b>40</b>, right forward control lever <b>43</b>, right reverse control lever <b>45</b>, left forward control lever <b>47</b>, and left reverse control lever <b>49</b> (the right forward and reverse control levers <b>43</b> and <b>45</b> are rigidly connected to one another and pivot together relative to fixed or rigid member <b>39</b>; whereas the left forward and reverse control levers <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> are rigidly connected to one another and pivot together relative to fixed or rigid member <b>41</b>), support assembly <b>51</b> including a pair of support members extending upwardly at an angle from engine deck <b>5</b> so as to support the handle control assembly, dashboard <b>53</b>, X-brace <b>55</b> for providing support between the support members <b>51</b>, first and second hydraulic (or hydrostatic) pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b> for driving and controlling the driving direction of the first and second drive wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b> respectively, right control rod <b>61</b> operatively coupled between the right handle control members <b>43</b>, <b>45</b> and the right pump <b>57</b>, left control rod <b>63</b> operative coupled between the left handle control members <b>47</b>, <b>49</b> and the left pump <b>59</b> so as to allow the handle control members to control operation of the pumps and thus the rear drive wheels <b>9</b>, <b>11</b>, and latch assembly <b>65</b> adapted to receive part of the sulky <b>1</b> thereby allowing the sulky to be stored in a stowed position during transport and the like.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, the mower is a zero-turning radius type walk-behind mower. Example zero radius turning mowers are described in each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,920,733, 5,964,082, 5,984,031, and 6,550,563, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. A zero turning radius mower typically includes first and second drive wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b>, each of which is independently drivable in both forward and reverse directions. The two drive wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b> may be provided along a common horizontal axis (but not axle) in certain example instances. To perform a zero radius turn, the first rear drive wheel is driven in the forward direction and the second rear drive wheel is driven in the rearward direction at the same time, thereby causing the mower to conduct a zero radius turn about a vertical axis that is located between the rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel (<b>9</b> or <b>11</b>) of a zero turning radius mower may be driven by its own hydraulic (or hydrostatic) pump (<b>57</b> or <b>59</b>), so that one pump is provided for each drive wheel.

Sulky <b>1</b> may be of the one wheel type or the two wheel type in different embodiments of this invention. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, the sulky is of the one wheel type (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,251, incorporated herein by reference). The <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1-4</figref> example sulky includes a wheel <b>71</b> provided between platform portions <b>73</b><i>a </i>and <b>73</b><i>b</i>, a first rigid arm <b>75</b> to be pivotally connected to the rear of the mower via pivot axis <b>77</b>, substantially vertical (i.e., vertical plus/minus 15 degrees during normal mower operation on flat ground) pivot axis <b>79</b> about which arm <b>75</b> and the platform can both pivot, optional rear arm <b>81</b> which pivots relative to axis <b>79</b> and is connected to the platform. During mower operation, the sulky <b>1</b> is pulled behind the mower and the mower operator may stand on platform <b>73</b><i>a</i>, <b>73</b><i>b </i>so as to avoid tiring during grass cutting operations. The wheel and fender covering the same are preferably sized so as to fit under front arm <b>75</b> when the platform pivots 360 degrees (or anything more than 180 degrees) about pivot <b>79</b> during mower operations such as when the operator steps off of the sulky and backs the mower up or conducts zero radius turns in one or two directions An operator may operate the mower with or without a sulky in different embodiments of this invention. It is noted that the sulky <b>1</b> be of the non-wheeled type in certain instances.

While <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates the sulky <b>1</b> in a deployed position, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref> illustrate that the sulky may be easily stowed using latch assembly <b>65</b> during certain example embodiments of this invention. The latch assembly <b>65</b> includes a spring biased latch <b>81</b> that is by spring <b>83</b>. Latch <b>81</b> pivots about pivot axis <b>85</b>, and spring <b>83</b> biases latch in a direction so as to pivot counterclockwise about axis <b>85</b> as viewed from the right side of the mower as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>. Holding member <b>84</b> is provided for supporting both the spring <b>83</b> and the latch <b>81</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, operation of the sulky receiving latch assembly will be described according to an example embodiment of this invention. When a user or operator decides to move the sulky <b>1</b> from a deployed position (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) to a stowed position (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>), the operator lifts the sulky off of the ground. When the sulky is lifted off of the ground, arm <b>75</b> pivots upwardly about axis <b>77</b> and the weight of the sulky wheel <b>71</b> and platform causes the platform <b>73</b><i>a</i>, <b>73</b><i>b </i>and wheel <b>71</b> together with arm <b>81</b> to pivot about axis <b>79</b> so that the platform <b>73</b><i>a</i>, <b>73</b><i>b </i>and wheel <b>71</b> hang below axis <b>79</b>. Thus, with the wheel and platform hanging below axis <b>79</b> as the sulky is being moved toward the stowed position, the area of the sulky proximate axis <b>79</b> is the leading edge of the sulky moving toward the latch assembly <b>65</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates the sulky <b>1</b> being moved in direction D toward the latch assembly <b>65</b> in this regard, as the overall sulky is pivoting about axis <b>77</b> during such movement toward the latch assembly. It can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> that a catch or protrusion <b>87</b> is rigidly affixed to the sulky proximate pivot axis <b>79</b>. During normal mower operation when the sulky is being pulled behind the mower, the catch or protrusion <b>87</b> extends outwardly from axis <b>79</b> in a direction away from the mower. However, during pivoting of the sulky toward the stowed position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the catch or protrusion <b>87</b> represents a leading part of the sulky and comes into contact with an angled portion <b>89</b> (or latch ramp) of the latch <b>81</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. When the catch or protrusion <b>87</b> hits angled portion (or ramp) <b>89</b> of the latch, this causes the latch to pivot clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the mower as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>) about axis <b>85</b> against the biasing force of spring <b>83</b> as the sulky continues its pivoting movement toward the stowed position. Finally, when the catch or protrusion <b>87</b> reaches recess <b>91</b> in the latch <b>81</b>, the latch <b>81</b> is biased counterclockwise about axis <b>85</b> so that the catch or protrusion <b>87</b> ends up being located within recess <b>91</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref> (i.e., stowed position). In this stowed position, the hook of the latch (the hook is provided at the end of the recess <b>91</b>), or wall of the recess, prevents the catch <b>87</b> and thus the sulky from moving out of the stowed position (i.e., the spring <b>83</b> keeps the latch closed so that it will not inadvertently unlatch). In other words, in the stowed position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>, the latch hook or recess wall prevents the catch <b>87</b> and thus the sulky from pivoting in the counterclockwise direction about axis <b>77</b>. Recess <b>91</b> may be of any suitable shape. For example, recess <b>91</b> may be rectangular, or any other suitable shape so long as it can hold the sulky in place when desired.

It has surprisingly been found that the catch or protrusion <b>87</b> preferably extends away from axis <b>79</b> in a plane <b>90</b> so as to define an angle θ therebetween as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. In certain preferred embodiments, angle θ is from 20 to 75 degrees, more preferably from 30 to 70 degrees, and most preferably from 40 to 65 degrees. If the angle is too large, the weight of the sulky may cause the latch to open and deploy inadvertently.

Buttress plate <b>93</b> is provided laterally forward of the latch, and the leading edge of the metal pin defining axis <b>79</b> of the sulky is adapted to possibly hit buttress plate <b>93</b> when the sulky is moved into the stowed position so as to prevent damage to other parts of the mower. Thus, plate <b>93</b> prevents damage to other mower components if the sulky is flipped upwardly with excessive force. Buttress plate <b>93</b> may also be hit by the pin during mower transport or the like when the sulky is in the stowed position, again preventing damage to other parts of the mower.

When a user desires to move the sulky <b>1</b> from the stowed position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>) to a deployed position, the user simply pulls release member <b>95</b> upwardly. Release member <b>95</b> may be in the form of a rod, and is operatively coupled to latch <b>81</b> via deploy rod pivot <b>86</b>, and extends through the dashboard so that it is easily accessible Spring <b>83</b> normally biases, along with the latch, the release member <b>95</b> downwardly due to pivot axis <b>86</b> so that the member <b>95</b> is normally biased toward a non-release position. However, when release member <b>95</b> is actuated (e.g., pulled upwardly against the biasing force of spring <b>83</b>), this causes latch <b>81</b> to pivot clockwise about axis <b>85</b> thereby lifting the recess <b>91</b> away from catch or protrusion <b>87</b> so as to release the sulky <b>1</b>. When the latch <b>81</b> is pivoted sufficiently clockwise about axis <b>85</b> in this regard, and the catch <b>87</b> is no longer held in recess <b>91</b>, the weight of the sulky causes the sulky to drop to the ground as arm <b>75</b> pivots counterclockwise about axis <b>77</b> thereby causing the sulky to fall into a deployed position as the wheel thereof hits the ground (the tire cushions the fall).

It is noted that the term “rod” as used herein covers elongated members such as cross-sectionally round rods, cross-sectionally oval rods, cross sectionally flat bar type rods, and other cross sectionally shaped rods. In other words, “rod” means an elongated member, but does not require any specific cross-sectional shape. It is noted that the position of member <b>95</b> (which may be a rod) may be adjustable in different embodiments of this invention, so that its position may be changed if the wheels and/or handle bar assembly is raised/lowered.

Thus, the sulky latch assembly of certain example embodiments of this invention is highly advantageous in that it allows a sulky to be efficient stowed during transport or non-sulky mower operations in a manner that prevents the sulky from significantly swinging around. Moreover, deployment of a sulky from a stowed position to a deployed position is very easy, as a release member simply needs to be actuated. Accordingly, sulky storage, deployment and transport is made much easier for mower users/operators.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-8</figref> illustrate, among other things, a handle control assembly <b>35</b> according to an example embodiment of this invention. The handle control assembly <b>35</b> includes rigid member <b>37</b> having both a right-hand rigid member <b>39</b> and a left-hand rigid member <b>41</b> that are fixedly connected to one another via connector <b>40</b>, right forward control lever <b>43</b>, right reverse control lever <b>45</b>, left forward control lever <b>47</b>, and left reverse control lever <b>49</b>. The right forward and reverse control levers <b>43</b> and <b>45</b> are rigidly connected to one another and pivot together about a common axis <b>44</b> relative to fixed or rigid member <b>39</b>. Also, the left forward and reverse control levers <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> are rigidly connected to one another and pivot together about a common axis <b>48</b> relative to fixed or rigid member <b>41</b>). Pivot axes <b>44</b> and <b>48</b> are defined by bars or rods connected to the handle levers. The right forward and reverse control levers <b>43</b> and <b>45</b> control right-hand pump <b>57</b> (and thus right rear drive wheel <b>9</b>), whereas the left forward and reverse control levers <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> control left-hand pump <b>59</b> (and thus left rear drive wheel <b>11</b>).

Reverse lever stop bolts <b>66</b>, for each side of control lever, allow for adjusting of the reverse speed by limiting the reverse travel of each reverse control lever respectively; this adjustment may also be used for reverse tracking adjustment. Reverse stop tabs <b>70</b> are attached to the control levers and are adapted to hit/contact ends of bolts <b>66</b> so as to stop control lever movement and limit reverse speed. This reverse speed limiting assembly, including members <b>66</b> and <b>70</b> is effectively used to control the speed at which the mower may be operated in reverse. Similar stop bolts may be used for the forward control levers to control the speed at which the mower may be operated in forward.

For purposes of simplicity, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5(</figref><i>a</i>)-<b>5</b>(<i>d</i>) illustrate only the rigid member <b>37</b> which includes both right-hand rigid member <b>39</b> and left-hand rigid member <b>41</b> that are fixedly connected to one another via connector <b>40</b>. The rigid member <b>37</b> is supported by base <b>38</b>. An embedded deadman switch member <b>100</b> (which protrudes through an opening in the handle member) may be provided on one or both sides of the rigid member <b>37</b>. The deadman switch functions to cut off the blades and/or engine of the mower if the operator takes both hands off of the rigid member <b>37</b>. In particular, during mower operation the operator is gripping member <b>37</b> and is thus pressing downwardly on spring-biased deadman switch member <b>100</b> causing it to move inwardly. A deadman switch member <b>100</b> is preferably provided on both members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>. If the operator takes both hands off of the rigid member <b>37</b>, the both deadman members <b>100</b> on members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b> will be released thereby causing the blades and/or engine of the mower to shut off. This is a safety mechanism. Pivots and switches associated with the deadman switch assembly are provided in housing <b>40</b> which functions also as a connector between members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b> of rigid member <b>37</b>.

Referring more particularly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-7</figref>, an explanation will be provided as to how the operator may control the mower using the illustrated handle control assembly. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6(</figref><i>a</i>)-<b>6</b>(<i>d</i>) and <b>7</b>(<i>a</i>) illustrate the handle control assembly in a neutral position. In other words, the handle control levers/members <b>43</b>, <b>45</b>, <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> are all biased toward their respective positions shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6(</figref><i>a</i>)-<b>6</b>(<i>d</i>) and <b>7</b>(<i>a</i>) illustrate. When the handle control levers/members <b>43</b>, <b>45</b>, <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> are in this position, both pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b> and thus both drive wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b> are in neutral so that the mower will remain stationary on flat ground.

When an operator wants to cause the mower to move in a straight forward direction, the user grips both the right and left forward control levers/members <b>43</b> and <b>47</b>, respectively, with his/her thumbs while gripping the rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b> with his/her other fingers, and presses both the right and left forward control levers/members <b>43</b> and <b>47</b> forward toward the rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>, respectively. Moving both forward control levers/members <b>43</b> and <b>47</b> forward at the same time and to approximately the same extent causes both drive wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b> to move forward at the same speed so that the mower moves straight forward (i.e., this causes both pumps to drive the wheels <b>9</b>, <b>11</b> forward). Maximum forward speed is achieved when the forward levers <b>43</b> and <b>47</b> are pivoted forward until they contact and are stopped by rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>, respectively. Intermediate speeds are achieved when the forward levers <b>43</b> and <b>47</b> are pivoted forward but not sufficiently to contact rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>. It is noted that when forward control levers/members <b>43</b> and <b>47</b> are pivoted forward toward rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>, reverse control levers/members <b>45</b> and <b>49</b> are also pivoted forward and away from the rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>, since the forward and reverse levers on each side move together as one unit.

When an operator wants to cause the mower to move in a straight reverse direction, the user grips both the right and left hand rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b> with his/her palms and pulls the right and left reverse control levers/members <b>45</b> and <b>49</b>, respectively, backwardly so that they pivot toward rigid members <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>, respectively. This causes both pumps to drive the wheels <b>9</b> and <b>11</b> in reverse, and may also be used for reverse tracking adjustments.

Zero radius turns about the vertical pivot axis are carried out by causing the right rear drive wheel <b>9</b> to be driven forward while at the same time the left rear drive wheel <b>11</b> is driven in reverse at approximately the same speed. This is done, for example, by moving lever <b>43</b> forward while at the same time moving lever <b>49</b> rearward toward the rigid handle member.

Handle assembly manipulation for a left turn is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>b</i>). In particular, in order to conduct a left turn, right forward lever <b>43</b> is pivoted forward while the left levers <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> are in neutral. This cause the right rear drive wheel <b>9</b> to be driven forward (via pump <b>57</b>), and the left rear drive wheel <b>11</b> to remain in neutral thereby causing the mower to turn left. Handle assembly manipulation for a right turn is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>c</i>). In order to conduct a right turn, left forward lever <b>47</b> is pivoted forward while the right levers <b>43</b> and <b>45</b> are in neutral. This cause the left rear drive wheel <b>11</b> to be driven forward (via pump <b>59</b>), and the right rear drive wheel <b>9</b> to remain in neutral thereby causing the mower to turn right.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> for example, it can be seen that the reverse levers <b>45</b> and <b>49</b> are not as long as their corresponding forward levers <b>43</b> and <b>47</b>, respectively. Advantageously, this allows gaps <b>50</b> to be formed in areas to that the operator can rotate his/her hand forward during turns as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7(</figref><i>b</i>) and <b>7</b>(<i>c</i>) without his/her wrist or hand hitting the reverse levers <b>45</b>, <b>49</b>. This is highly advantageous during turns. In particular, during a left turn as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>b</i>) for example, the user can rotate his/her left hand forward around the rigid member <b>41</b> without hitting reverse lever <b>49</b>. This rotation of the left hand during a left turn of the mower (which is possible due to the design of the handle assembly herein) allows the user to also move his/her left elbow forward so that his/her left elbow will not jab him/her in the stomach or ribs during such turns which is a problem in the art. This allows for more comfortable and efficient mower operation. The handwork used in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7(</figref><i>b</i>) and <b>7</b>(<i>c</i>) need not be used for all types of turns; they are particularly applicable to sharp turns such as substantial U-turns.

Likewise, during a right turn as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>c</i>) for example, the user can rotate his/her right hand forward around the rigid member <b>39</b> without hitting reverse lever <b>45</b>. This rotation of the right hand during a right turn of the mower (which is possible due to the design of the handle assembly herein) allows the user to also move his/her right elbow forward so that his/her right elbow will not jab him/her in the stomach or ribs during such turns which is a problem in the art. Again, this allows for more comfortable and efficient mower operation.

It can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7(</figref><i>b</i>)-<b>7</b>(<i>c</i>) that when the operator rotates his/her hand(s) forward around the rigid member <b>39</b> or <b>41</b> during a turn, the design of the handle control assembly with gaps <b>50</b> allows the user to perform such hand rotation to an extent sufficient to allow the user (or operator) to simultaneously grip the underside of the forward lever (<b>43</b> or <b>47</b>) with his/her finger tips on the side of the rotation. This is particularly advantageous in that it allows the user to squeeze his/her rotated hand and thus easily actuate the relevant drive wheel into forward movement when coming out of such turns, thereby allowing for smooth transitions to be made from sharp turns to new forward directional mower movement. Furthermore, gaps <b>50</b> due to the short length of reverse levers <b>45</b>, <b>49</b> allow the user or operator to perform hand rotation prior to a turn to grip the underside of the forward lever (<b>43</b> or <b>47</b>) with his/her finger tips on the side of the rotation; thus, just prior to the turn the user can being to release the forward lever on the inner side of the turn with his/her rotated hand. Again, this allows for more efficient and comfortable turns.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, the reverse levers <b>45</b> and <b>49</b> are of lengths substantially shorter than their corresponding forward levers <b>43</b> and <b>47</b>, respectively, in order to allow gaps <b>50</b> to be provided. In certain example embodiments, at least one of the reverse levers <b>45</b> and <b>49</b> is of a length L<b>1</b> no greater than 75% of the length of the corresponding forward lever (<b>43</b> and/or <b>47</b>), respectively, more preferably of a length L<b>1</b> no greater than 65% of the length of the corresponding forward lever, and most preferably no greater than 60% of the length of the corresponding forward lever. This allows for gaps <b>50</b> of sufficient size to be provided, so as to allow for easy hand rotation as described above without interference from the reverse lever(s). Moreover, in certain embodiments, rigid portion <b>39</b> (or <b>41</b>) is of a length at least 30% longer than reverse lever <b>45</b> (or <b>49</b>), more preferably at least 40% longer, and most preferably at least 50% longer; and may be of a length longer than the forward lever(s) in certain instances (e.g., see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>a</i>)).

In certain example embodiments, a gap <b>50</b> may be defined between an end <b>52</b> of a rigid member (<b>39</b> or <b>41</b>) and an end <b>54</b> of a corresponding reverse control lever (<b>45</b> or <b>49</b>) (e.g., see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7(</figref><i>a</i>)). In certain example embodiments, such a gap(s) <b>50</b>, as viewed from above the mower, is at least 3 inches wide, more preferably at least 4 inches wide, and most preferably at least 5 inches wide. These sizes permit ease of hand rotation through the gap(s) <b>50</b>.

The rigid member <b>37</b> (i.e., <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>) has rounded blunt ends <b>37</b><i>a</i>, <b>37</b><i>b </i>to reduce the likelihood of the operator being jabbed by the same during turns and the like. Moreover, the forward control levers <b>43</b> and <b>47</b> are bent near ends thereof (i.e., have rounded ends <b>43</b><i>a</i>, <b>47</b><i>a</i>) to help prevent the operator from being jabbed during turns and the like. Like the forward control levers <b>43</b>, <b>47</b>, the reverse control levers <b>45</b>, <b>49</b> are bent in certain example embodiment of this invention as can be seen in the accompanying drawings.

In certain embodiments of this invention, the forward and reverse levers for a given side (i.e., right side, or left side) are substantially parallel to one another and pivot about a common axis. However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-7</figref> an angle α is defined between (a) the pivot axis of right-hand control levers <b>43</b>, <b>45</b>, and (b) the pivot axes of left-hand control levers <b>47</b>, <b>49</b>, as viewed from above. Approximately this same angle α is provided between a straight portion of right hand forward lever <b>43</b> and a straight portion of left hand forward lever <b>47</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6(</figref><i>c</i>)). Approximately this same angle α is provided between a straight portion of right hand reverse lever <b>45</b> and a straight portion of left hand reverse lever <b>49</b>. In certain example embodiments of this invention, it has advantageously been found that this angle(s) a should be less than 170 degrees, more preferably from 120 to 170 degrees, even more preferably from 130 to 165 degrees. This allows improved operator comfort and efficiency, and permit hand rotation to be performed in a more comfortable and efficient manner. In certain example embodiments of this invention, this same angle α may be defined between the very same components when viewed directly from the rear of the mower (e.g., see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9)</figref>.

The handle control assembly described herein is optimized to allow for manhandling of the mower while also providing for ease and comfort of use for the operator. The control levers are designed to allow easy positioning during normal use and during any manhandling of the mower (e.g., pushing the handle assembly in any desired direction). The reverse levers are short in length to prevent interference when performing typical turning maneuvers. The handle control assembly is designed to withstand abuse and other forms of possible damage, and the rigid member <b>37</b> (i.e., <b>39</b> and <b>41</b>) has rounded blunt ends to reduce the likelihood of the operator being jabbed by the same during turns and the like. Moreover, the forward control levers are bent near ends thereof to help prevent the operator from being jabbed during turns and the like.

FIGS. <b>1</b> and <b>8</b>-<b>11</b> illustrate another example embodiment of this invention relating to the elongated control rods, and the positioning thereof. In particular, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-11</figref>, the control rods <b>61</b> and <b>63</b> are inboard (as opposed to outboard) of the pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b>, as viewed from behind the mower. This helps protect the rods <b>61</b>, <b>63</b> from being damaged; often, the front wheels or castors of other mowers being loaded onto a trailer can hit conventional outboard control rods.

Referring to FIGS. <b>1</b> and <b>8</b>-<b>11</b>, the control rods <b>61</b>, <b>63</b> are operatively coupled to the handle control assembly in a pivotal manner (see pivot <b>120</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>). For example, when the right hand forward lever <b>43</b> is pushed forward in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, this causes member <b>122</b> to pivot clockwise about pivot axis <b>44</b> thereby causing right hand control rod <b>61</b> to move downwardly. This downward movement of the control rod <b>61</b> causes pump lever <b>124</b> to rotate about pump shaft axis <b>128</b> thereby causing the pump <b>57</b> to be activated and drive the rear drive wheel <b>9</b> in the forward direction. In a similar manner, when the left hand forward lever <b>47</b> is pushed forward, this causes the corresponding left-hand member <b>122</b> to pivot about pivot axis <b>48</b> thereby causing left hand control rod <b>63</b> to move downwardly. This downward movement of the control rod <b>63</b> causes pump lever <b>126</b> to rotate about pump shaft axis <b>130</b> thereby causing the left pump <b>59</b> to be activated and drive the left rear drive wheel <b>11</b> in the forward direction. Reverse operation are achieved when the reverse levers are pulled toward the rigid handle member which causes rods <b>61</b> and/or <b>63</b> to be moved upwardly thereby causing the pump levers <b>124</b>, <b>126</b> to be rotated in the opposite directions.

As best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-11</figref>, the control rods <b>61</b>, <b>63</b> are located inboard of their respective pumps <b>57</b>, <b>59</b>. In other words, the pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b> for the pumps are both located on the interior sides of the pumps so as to face one another (i.e., not on the outer sides of the pumps facing the wheels as is conventional). This also means that the pump actuator shafts that define axes <b>128</b> and <b>130</b> are located on the inboard sides of the pumps and face one another (again, they are not on the outboard sides of the pumps facing the adjacent wheels as is conventional); the pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b> are rigidly connected (directly or indirectly) to the pump actuator shafts (for movement therewith) which define axes <b>128</b>, <b>130</b>. The illustrated pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b> are provided for purposes of example only and are not intended to be limiting; as any suitable type of return-to-neutral device/system may be used to actuate/deactuate each pump.

Because the control rods <b>61</b>, <b>63</b> are inboard (as opposed to outboard), the pump control levers face one another and are advantageously close to each other thereby allowing the pump lock-out system (see discussion below) to be more efficiently designed (e.g., fewer parts and/or less space needed for the lock-out system). However, in certain example embodiments of this invention, the control rods <b>61</b> and <b>63</b> are still at least about 2 inches apart, more preferably at least 3 inches apart, and most preferably at least 3.5 inches apart, so as to allow the sulky to fit therebetween during the aforesaid sulky stowing operation. However, in certain embodiments of this invention, the control rods <b>61</b> and <b>63</b>, in an area proximate the middle of the mower height, are no further than about 8 inches apart, more preferably no further than about 6 inches apart, and most preferably no further than about 5 inches apart, with the centerline of the mower being located therebetween as viewed from the rear of the mower. Furthermore, this positioning of control rods <b>61</b> and <b>63</b> allows x-brace <b>55</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) to be used for support purposes without interfering with the desired path of the control rods.

FIGS. <b>1</b> and <b>10</b>-<b>13</b> illustrate a pump lock-out system according to an example embodiment of this invention. Pump lock-out systems are known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,984,031 and 6,550,563, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The pump lock-out system according to certain embodiment of this invention is designed so that the pump lock-out system is engaged by activation of the brake lever <b>31</b>. In particular, the pump lock-out system is engaged along with braking force applied by an operator, so that when braking force is applied to at least one wheel of the mower the pump lock-out system is also engaged and prevents at least one of the pumps <b>57</b>, <b>59</b> from being changed from a neutral state during application of the braking force.

The pump lock-out system according to certain embodiments of this invention is particularly advantageous in that it allows both the right and left pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b> to be “locked” in a neutral state through the engagement of a single engaging member <b>150</b> which may be selectively engaged. In particular, the single engaging member <b>150</b>, when engaged, becomes engaged with the pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b> for both pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b>. Thus, a separate engaging member is not needed to each pump. This allows the pump lock-out system to be more compact and efficient than in certain prior art designs. Space is also saved since much of the pump lock-out system is located in the space between the pumps <b>57</b>, <b>59</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-13</figref>, the pump lock-out system includes lever <b>31</b> that is pivotally connected to link <b>200</b>, which in turn is pivotally connected to brake shoe support <b>202</b>. Brake shoe <b>33</b> is rigidly attached to, or integral with, support <b>202</b>. Moreover, support <b>202</b> is rigidly attached to, or integral with, horizontally extending rotatable shaft <b>204</b>. Still referring to the pump lock-out system, a rigid flat bar-shaped protrusion <b>206</b> is rigidly affixed to or integral with rotatable shaft <b>204</b>; and spring <b>208</b> is connected between an end of protrusion <b>206</b> and an end or other suitable portion of engaging member <b>150</b>. Engaging member <b>150</b>, as best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-13</figref>, includes first and second engaging protrusions <b>210</b> and <b>212</b> for selective engagement with respective recesses in pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b>, respectively, and also includes a cam portion <b>216</b> adapted to be contacted by protrusion <b>206</b> in order to unlock the pumps from the neutral state. Member <b>150</b> is pivotally connected to support <b>218</b> at pivot axis <b>220</b>.

An example operation of the pump lock-out system according to FIGS. <b>1</b> and <b>10</b>-<b>13</b> is as follows. Whenever the brake lever (or some other lever) <b>31</b> is not engaged, the brake shoe <b>33</b> is not engaged and the pumps <b>57</b>, <b>59</b> are not locked in a neutral state. However, when the operator pulls the brake lever <b>31</b> rearwardly toward the rear of the mower, this causes link <b>200</b> to rotate counterclockwise about axis <b>201</b> as viewed from the right side of the mower thereby causing brake shoe support <b>202</b> and brake shoe <b>33</b> to rotate counterclockwise along with shaft <b>204</b> into engagement with the left rear wheel <b>9</b> of the mower. Thus, braking force is applied to the left rear drive wheel <b>9</b>, via shoe <b>33</b>. Additionally, this same rearward pulling of the lever <b>31</b> causes shaft <b>204</b> and protrusion <b>206</b> thereon to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the right side of the mower; this causes the end of protrusion <b>206</b> to pull the lower end of spring <b>208</b> downwardly toward the ground thereby also pulling downwardly engaging member <b>150</b>. When engaging member <b>150</b> is pulled downwardly in such a manner by spring <b>208</b> due to the rotation of shaft <b>204</b>, engaging protrusions <b>210</b> and <b>212</b> are also pulled downwardly into the corresponding illustrated recesses defined along the respective top edges of the pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b>. When protrusions <b>210</b> and <b>212</b> of engaging member <b>150</b> have entered the respective recesses <b>222</b> defined in the pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b>, this effectively locks the levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b> in place and prevents them from significantly moving thereby locking the corresponding pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b> in the neutral state.

When it is desired to unlock the pumps from the neutral state, or disengage the brake force applied to the mower wheel(s), the operator moves lever <b>31</b> forward. This causes shoe <b>33</b> to disengage from the left rear drive wheel <b>9</b>. This movement of the lever <b>31</b> also causes shaft <b>204</b> and protrusion <b>206</b> thereon to rotate clockwise as viewed from the right side of the mower. When protrusion <b>206</b> rotates in such a manner, the protrusion effectively moves upwardly and comes into contact with cam portion <b>216</b> of the engaging member <b>150</b> thereby pushing the engaging member <b>150</b> upwardly and dislodging the protrusions <b>210</b> and <b>212</b> from recesses <b>222</b> of the pump control levers. In other words, the protrusions <b>210</b> and <b>212</b> are moved upwardly out of recesses <b>222</b>, thereby unlocking the pump control levers <b>124</b> and <b>126</b> and thus the pumps <b>57</b> and <b>59</b>.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.